Firefighter Protection Systems 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An OS&Y (outside screw and yoke) valve is used to do what in a sprinkler system?
- Control the main water supply and show open/closed status (Correct answer)
- Detect smoke
- Pressurize the standpipe
- Measure water flow rate
Correct answer: Control the main water supply and show open/closed status
An OS&Y valve controls water supply and shows whether it is open or closed by the position of the visible stem.
Question 2: On an OS&Y valve, the system is OPEN when the threaded stem is in what position?
- Fully retracted (in)
- Extended outward (out) (Correct answer)
- Halfway
- Rotated horizontally
Correct answer: Extended outward (out)
When the stem protrudes out of the yoke, the valve is open; when retracted, it is closed.
Question 3: A Fire Department Connection (FDC) allows firefighters to do what?
- Boost water pressure to a sprinkler or standpipe system (Correct answer)
- Drain the system
- Test the alarm panel
- Refill the fire pump reservoir
Correct answer: Boost water pressure to a sprinkler or standpipe system
The FDC lets pumpers supplement the system's water supply and pressure during a fire.
Question 4: What is the primary purpose of a fire pump in a protection system?
- To increase water pressure when municipal supply is inadequate (Correct answer)
- To detect heat
- To store reserve water
- To trip the alarm
Correct answer: To increase water pressure when municipal supply is inadequate
Fire pumps boost pressure for sprinklers and standpipes when the public supply cannot meet demand.
Question 5: A Class I standpipe system is intended primarily for use by whom?
- Building occupants with small hoses
- Trained firefighters with 2½-inch connections (Correct answer)
- Automatic discharge only
- Maintenance staff only
Correct answer: Trained firefighters with 2½-inch connections
Class I standpipes provide 2½-inch outlets for use by fire department personnel.
Question 6: A Class II standpipe system provides what for occupant use?
- 2½-inch hose connections
- 1½-inch hose and rack for occupants (Correct answer)
- Open deluge heads
- A dry chemical line
Correct answer: 1½-inch hose and rack for occupants
Class II systems supply 1½-inch hose for occupants to fight incipient fires.
Question 7: A Post Indicator Valve (PIV) is typically located where?
- Inside the riser room ceiling
- Outside the building on the underground supply main (Correct answer)
- On the roof
- Inside the fire pump casing
Correct answer: Outside the building on the underground supply main
A PIV is an above-ground post controlling the buried supply main, with a window showing OPEN or SHUT.
Firefighter Protection Systems 3
An OS&Y (outside screw and yoke) valve is used to do what in a sprinkler system?